This is an uncommon work by theologin Thomas Burnet, who was the first Englishman to attempt a scientific account of the origin of the earth. His popular and controversial treatise focused upon the breaking up of "the fountains of the great deep" as the cause of the flood, as described in Genesis 7:11, and presents a model of the earth's structure with ample stores of water within subterranean chambers.

Bound into this work is a pair of early thematic maps of the eastern and western hemispheres. In the western hemisphere, California is shown as an island and there is a single large lake in the vicinity of the Great Lakes. The continents are shown in outline with accentuated chains of mountains and no place names. Numerous islands are shown throughout the oceans denoting hypothetical lands that existed before the Flood. Also included is an attractive frontispiece and many illustrations (some full page) within the text. Octavo, hardbound in original full leather over wooden boards.

References: Shirley #507; McLaughlin #77.

Condition: A

The maps are near fine with minor soiling in the blank margins and short binding tears confined to the blank margins. Text and illustrations are excellent with some pleasant even-age toning. Covers have a few abrasions, and the spine has been professionally restored using most of its original.